The Los Angeles Lakers entered their NBA Cup quarterfinal against the San Antonio Spurs feeling good about where they stood. A strong record, star power at the top, and early season momentum suggested a team trending upward. Instead, a 132-119 loss to San Antonio, even without Victor Wembanyama, delivered a reminder of what still separates the Lakers from true consistency. Austin Reaves had time to speak on it.
The defeat ended Los Angeles’ tournament run and placed renewed focus on defensive lapses that have surfaced throughout the season, per Pro Football Network. After the game, head coach J.J. Redick acknowledged that the Lakers were getting exposed in familiar ways. Reaves echoed that sentiment, putting words to a problem the team knows it must solve.
“That’s a weakness we’ve got to get better at,” Reaves said in the locker room.
Reaves Points to Defense as the Lingering Issue
Reaves framed the issue as collective responsibility rather than individual blame. He emphasized that effort and mindset remain intact, but execution has not matched expectations on the defensive end.
“The spirit is still high in here, we know we can do it,” Reaves said. “But we have to be a group that guards with five people.”
Los Angeles has leaned heavily on offense to secure wins. With a core built around Reaves, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic, the Lakers have thrived late in games and sit near the top of the conference at 17-7. Their offense ranks among the league’s better units, and there is optimism that chemistry will continue to improve as James settles further into the lineup.
Defense, however, continues to lag behind. Ranking in the bottom 10 in defensive rating, the Lakers have struggled to contain perimeter threats and maintain consistency over four quarters. The Spurs game served as a clear example of how quickly that weakness can undermine everything else.
Outside Evaluation Adds Another Layer
The defensive discussion around Reaves gained additional attention due to comments from Rich Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports Group and longtime agent of James. During a recent interview with Max Kellerman, Paul addressed how he evaluates guards across the league, using a tier-based system rather than focusing on labels like “best.”
Paul grouped Reaves alongside players such as Norman Powell and Desmond Bane, describing them as Tier 2 guards rather than top-tier stars.
“The best two guards are on the Olympic team,” Paul said. “Norman Powell is not on the Olympic team, but does that mean that Norman Powell is not a really good two guard? No. That’s why I like to go by tiers.”
The comparison surprised some Lakers fans, particularly given Reaves’ expanded role during injury stretches when he posted eye-catching scoring performances. Much of the conversation around Reaves this season centers on his ceiling and whether he can reach All-Star territory.
Paul’s comments, while potentially frustrating for some, reflect a distinction rather than a dismissal. He acknowledged Reaves’ quality while drawing a line between solid high-level contributors and the elite shooting guards that define the league’s top tier.
For the Lakers, the takeaway remains straightforward. Offensive firepower has not been the issue. Defensive commitment and cohesion must improve if this group wants to sustain success beyond the regular season. Reaves made it clear after the Spurs loss that the team understands what is missing. The challenge now lies in fixing it before these wake-up calls become a pattern rather than a lesson.
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